Divabetic – Page 137 – Wellness with a Wow

09/27/201610/09/2016

Singer, Songwriter Kashif Dies at 56

Divabetic is saddened to report the loss of another musical icon. We have learned that the singer, producer and amazing song writer Kashif has passed away at the age of 56. Unfortunately the details regarding his death are unknown as it seems to be natural causes. According to reports Kashif had been deceased since Sunday, September 25th and was discovered by a neighbor on Monday.

We featured Kashif’s song, “Love Come Down” on August’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music by Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King.

Kashif Saleem, previously Michael Jones (born December 26, 1959), was an American multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, record producer, artist, composer, author, director and educator from New York City. Kashif first taught himself to play a $3 song flute at age seven and later the piano in the basement of his church. At age 15, Kashif joined B. T. Express and performed on stages around the world.

Kashif has had a long history in the music industry whereas having been an integral part of several artists’ lives penning some of the industry’s biggest hits like Evelyn “Champagne” King’s “Love Come Down” and Howard Johnson’s “So Fine”. This amazing producer is also known for producing “Where You Are” and “You Give Good Love” for the iconic and late great Whitney Houston. He also worked with Me’lisa Morgan and penned an R&B favorite and chart-topping hit “Love Changes”.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Late Nite featuring music by Evelyn’Champagne’ King

EXCLUSIVE: Mr. Divabetic interviews singer, Me’lisa Morgan

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09/24/201610/09/2016

Suspect Boulevard: Behind the Scenes

I believe that one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself which is a ‘challenge.’

Heller Keller said,”life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”

For me, that gift/challenge is writing and producing our annual Diabetes Mystery podcast. I don’t consider myself to be a writer so to sit down and actually write a 50 + page script and numerous rewrites is actually a pretty daunting task.

My challenge began last September when I visited Marjorie Merriweather Post’s Hillwood Mansion in Washington, D.C. This gorgeous estate inspired the glamorous backdrop for our murder mystery as well as the central character, Best-Selling Author ‘Marjorie Melbourne Blaze’. The mansion features the most comprehensive collection of Russian imperial art outside of Russia, a distinguished 18th-century French decorative art collection, and twenty-five acres of serene landscaped gardens and a pet cemetery (!) It’s definitely worth a visit!

Writing can be a frustrating, humbling and lonely process so it’s great to involve a friend, especially a talented one. In my case, USA Today Best-Selling author Tonya Kappes was willing to spend endless hours with me over the phone or via e-mail consulting about motives, clues and dialogue. Somehow, in between all my calls she was able to put the finishing touches on several of her own mysteries which are coming out the Fall.

You can’t perform a mystery without a cast!! Our ‘Suspect Boulevard’ cast includes some familiar voices as well as few surprises. Susan Weiner, Patricia Addie-Gentle and Tonya along with my mom, Mama Rose Marie play themselves which is a challenge when writing dialogue. Susan and Patricia reviewed all the diabetes self-care information and advice to make sure it was accurate. My mom and I reworked her lines over and over again to get her feelings about aging right. Poet Lorraine Brooks wrote her own comments and funny remarks for our madcap adventure. Unfortunately Lorraine didn’t get to play the organ this year! Asha Brown (‘Primose Crump’) and Peter Arpesella (‘Nigel Lowenwirth’) who are both professional actors as well as amazing diabetes advocates returned again this year. Peter had to drop out at the last minute because of scheduling conflicts so my good friend, Chef Robert Lewis jumped in and gave a stellar performance. I also recruited Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller to join the cast. She was the only person I had in mind to play the ultra glamorous 80’s TV actress character, ‘Marlena Melbourne’. Catherine is always ‘up’ for a new challenge and drove in head first to her role with enthusiasm, excitement and even photos of herself looking like a glamorous Hollywood actress!

This year’s murder mystery focuses on the link between diabetes and dementia and diabetes alert dogs. In addition to many hours spent researching these topics I also consulted with Susan Weiner RD, MS, CDE, CDN (author of the wonderful book on organization – see link below), Patricia Addie-Gentle, dog expert, Debby Kay, andMark Dagostino, author of “Elle & Me:The Fight for My Daughter’s Life and the Dog that Changed Everything”. If you are considering adding a diabetes alert dog to your healthcare entourage I encourage you to do plenty of research.

Additionally, I asked Stacey Harris, The Diabetic Pastry Chef to contribute recipes for this year’s diabetes mystery podcast, “Suspect Boulevard”(see recipe below). If you love to entertain, check out Stacey’s recipes for flavorful, healthy options to add to your next party’s menu!

Finally, our hope is that Divabetic’s annual diabetes murder mystery podcasts inspire you to approach troublesome and worrisome unexpected blood sugar high’s and low’s like a detective; search for clues, look for patterns and above all, talk to the proper authorities (your healthcare team) about your symptoms.

Many of our favorite detectives including “Cagney & Lacey”, “Sherlock Holmes and Watson”, “Charlie’s Angels” and “Scoopy-Doo & Freddy, Daphne, Velma an Shaggy” worked with partners or teams – you should too!

One way to help prevent complications is to take on a ‘team’ approach to managing your diabetes and involve your friends, family, co-workers and healthcare professionals in your self-care. Showing close friends where you keep your supplies and informing them of what you need when you’re experiencing a low is a great way to safeguard against a health crisis. Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness.

Why not challenge yourself to do something new and different?

T.S. Elliot said, “if you aren’t in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?”

LISTEN NOW: Divabetic’s 3rd Annual Diabetes Murder Mystery podcast, “Suspect Boulevard.” Throughout our Diabetes Mystery “Suspect Boulevard” podcast we featuring selected songs from the classic film scores by Franz Waxman album courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

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09/23/201610/09/2016

October’s Diabetes Late Nite Podcast

We’re talking about BODY IMAGE & DIABETES with musical inspiration from superstar Meghan Trainor on October’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast scheduled for Tuesday, October 11, 2016, 6-7 PM, EST.

Think about it. Have you considered if your body image impacts your diabetes?

For people with diabetes, these attitudes may be very healthy which actually helps them manage their diabetes or they may be unhealthy which may lead to blood glucose values that are damaging.

People with a healthy body image see themselves as they really are and are happy with the way they feel and look.

For people that do not have a healthy body image, the term body dysmorphic disorder is sometimes used.

One of the biggest hits of last year, Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass” isn’t your typical pop song.

“My producer and I wanted to do a fun song, so we thought why not do a song about loving yourself and loving your body, because I don’t think girls love themselves as much as they should,” Trainor says.

Guests include Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach (Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE) Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie.

Throughout the podcast we will be playing selected songs from Meghan Trainor’s “Thank You” album courtesy of SONY Music.

Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.”

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09/21/201610/09/2016

What’s On Your Plate? at Divabetic Club

The day-to-day challenges of living with diabetes can be challenging for individuals, families, and friends. Come share your experience with living with diabetes or caring for someone with diabetes and learn from what others share.

Speakers: Neva White, DNP, CRNP, CDE, Jefferson Center for Urban Health Rohit Moghe, PharmD, CDE, Advance Practice Pharmacist, Pamela Harrod-Smith, Health Educator, Jefferson Center for Urban Health

Divabetic Club is a free diabetes outreach program presented at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. The Divabetic Club blends diabetes self-management education, group support with online empowerment tools in a way that enlightens participants and motivates them to improve their diabetes self-care.

Divabetic’s uniquely “Glam More, Fear Less” philosophy infuses beauty and fashion with diabetes outreach and online programming to help comfort, connect and empower our community.

Divabetic Club Philadelphia is presented by a team of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital healthcare professionals and diabetes educators who provide expert advice on food, fitness and self-care management to encourage early action and prevention of diabetes health-related complications. The program is hosted by Mr. Divabetic and features guest speakers, food demonstrations, interactive panel discussions and more.

Divabetic Club Philadelphia is sponsored Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, works collaboratively with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and is a signature program of Divabetic.

Thursday, October 20, 2016, 12 -1 PM

Jefferson Alumni Hall, 1st Floor

1001 Locust Street (corner of 10th and Locust)

Philadelphia, PA 19107

FREE ADMISSION

Register: 1-800-JEFF-NOW (1-800-533-3669)

Can’t make it? Tune in to Divabetic’s free monthly Diabetes Late Nite podcasts featuring music, diabetes advice, games and patient testimonials. Next show: Tuesday, October 11, 2016 6-7 PM, EST with music by Meghan Trainor. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic. Available on demand for free on blogtalkradio, i-Tunes and divabetic.org. Join Divabetic’s growing Facebook Fan and Groups, Twitter, Tumblr and Pinterest pages for daily information and inspiration.

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09/19/201610/09/2016

Chef Robert’s Recipe: Italian Chicken Skewers

The wonderful Chef Robert Lewis aka ‘The Happy Diabetic’ plays the character, ‘Nigel Lowenwirth’ in our 3rd Annual Diabetes Mystery podcast entitled ‘Suspect Boulevard’.

In a recent profile on the Everyday Diabetes website, Chef Robert Lewis admitted that he feared the worst for his own love of great food following his diagnosis with Type 2 Diabetes in 1998.

“I suspected that my days of good eating were over,” Lewis writes on his blog. “Yet, as I worked through my ups and downs, I came to realize that the selection of foods I could and should eat was vast and included many of my favorites. This motivated me to attempt to create delicious, diabetic-friendly dishes that were also easy to prepare. Enjoy Chef Robert’s recipe for Italian Chicken Skewers:

Italian Chicken Skewers by Chef Robert Lewis

What’s in it?

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into large cubes
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp. tomato paste
1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp. chopped fresh Italian parsley, plus more leaves for garnish

8 skewers, soaked in water for 20 minutes

Let’s put it together

Season chicken with salt and pepper.
Make marinade: combine tomato paste, olive oil, garlic cloves,

and chopped parsley in large bowl.
Add chicken and toss to fully coat. Refrigerate 30 minutes.

Preheat grill to medium-high. Skewer chicken and bread

Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Grill, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through (180 degrees) and slightly charred, about 10 minutes. Garnish with parsley.

LISTEN NOW: Divabetic’s 3rd Annual Diabetes Mystery podcast entitled, “Suspect Boulevard“. Our madcap adventure involves dogs, divas, dementia, diamonds and diabetes. Cast members are: Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, ‘We Are Diabetes’ organization founder, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDE, CDN, Chef Robert Lewis and Mama Rose Marie.

Throughout the podcast we will spotlight the wonderful music by the National Philaharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Charles Gerhardt courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic hopes to inspire you to become a Diabetes Detective will this third installment of Diabetes Mystery Theater podcast.

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09/12/201610/09/2016

Suspect Boulevard with Susan Weiner

“AADE Educator of Year: 2015” Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDE, CDN returns for our latest diabetes mystery podcast, “Suspect Boulevard” scheduled for Tuesday, September 13, 2016, 6-7 PM, EST.

Susan Weiner is an award-winning Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator and published author. Her Masters Degree in Applied Physiology and Nutrition from Columbia University in New York has afforded her the opportunity to practice as a nutritionist and exercise physiologist.

We’re so fortunate to have Susan joining us again this year. I enjoy working with her so much because she’s so passionate about helping people learn about nutrition and diabetes self-care.

In addition to dozens of nutrition-related articles online and in magazines, Susan is the author of two popular diabetes resource books: “The Complete Diabetes Organizer: Your Guide to a Less Stressful and More Manageable Diabetes Life”(Spry Publishing, 2013) and “Diabetes: 365 Tips for Living Well ~ Expert Advice to Help You Thrive Each Day” (Demos Health, 2015).

Susan and Leslie’s ‘Complete Diabetes Organizer’ book inspired several key scenes in this year’s Diabetes Mystery podcast, “Suspect Boulevard.”

Is your lack of organization impacting your ability to effectively manage your diabetes?

Do you run out of supplies and forget endocrinologist appointments? Do you find snacks in your pantry that expired sometime before the insulin pump was invented? Do you struggle to keep track of health-care invoices and payments? Do you succeed at keeping an active health journal for a week or two and then neglect it for a year or two?

It sounds like you could use The Complete Diabetes Organizer!

Within the pages of this book, diabetes educator Susan Weiner and organizing guru Leslie Josel provide you with dependable strategies and ideas designed to help streamline your diabetes care and simplify your life. From her distinguished career and experience in the fields of diabetes and dietetics, Susan Weiner brings helpful tips and tricks that are guaranteed to ease daily mechanics, promote improved nutrition, and relieve stress caused by disorder and confusion.

Certified professional organizer and ADHD Specialist Leslie Josel applies her expertise to the topic of diabetes, with simple, surefire techniques that will allow you to disentangle yourself from the clutches of chronic disorganization.

The Complete Diabetes Organizer is your guidebook to maintaining your diabetes with less effort and more confidence, allowing you to focus on enjoying a healthier, stress-free life. BUY NOW

DON’T MISS: Suspect Boulevard on Tuesday, September 13, 2016, 6-7 PM, EST. Our third annual Diabetes Mystery Theater Podcast, ‘Suspect Boulevard’ revolves around dogs, dementia, diamonds and diabetes. This special mystery theater production is loosely based on Billy Wilder’s film, Sunset Boulevard. Guests include: Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, ‘We Are Diabetes’ organization founder, Asha Brown, Catherine Schuller AICI, CIP, Susan Weiner MS, RD, CDE, CDN, ‘Good Like This’ Author Peter Arpesella and Mama Rose Marie.

Throughout the podcast we will spotlight the wonderful music by the National Philaharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Charles Gerhardt courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic hopes to inspire you to become a Diabetes Detective will this third installment of Diabetes Mystery Theater podcast.

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09/11/201610/09/2016

Suspect Boulevard featuring Diabetic Pastry Chef Recipes – Part 2

The Diabetic Pastry Chef, Stacey Harris‘s recipes are featured in this year’s diabetes mystery podcast, “Suspect Boulevard” scheduled for Tuesday, September 13, 2016, 6-7 PM, EST.

Millions of people read mystery paperbacks and there’s a huge collection of books featuring super indulgent recipes that really bug me. I think it’s high-time someone wrote a mystery featuring healthy and delicious recipes that’s why I asked Stacey Harris, The Diabetic Pastry Chef to contribute some recipes for this year’s diabetes mystery podcast.

Type 2 diabetes doesn’t stop Stacey Harris. From her tasty treats to her outlook on life, this pastry chef keeps things as sweet as can be! Her flavor combinations and attention to detail make Stacey’s treats so craveable, while her soft voice and gentle smile make this pastry chef just so lovable reports Diabetic Living.

Brie With Sweet & Spicy Apricot Spread by the Diabetic Pastry Chef

8 ounce round brie cheese

1/2 cup sugar-free or no sugar-added apricot preserves, heated

1 1/2 tsp mustard powder

2 tsp horseradish

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp minced garlic

2 T slivered almonds

dried apricots (optional)

dried parsley for garnish

Mix together the apricot preserves, mustard powder, horseradish, pepper and minced garlic. Add a few slices dried apricots if using. Spread on top of brie. Sprinkle slivered almonds on top and dried parsley. Serve with crackers.

Note: The brie can be baked at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes, until it begins to melt and lose its shape. Refrigerate any leftovers, which can be reheated.

Throughout the podcast we will spotlight the wonderful music by the National Philaharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Charles Gerhardt courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic hopes to inspire you to become a Diabetes Detective will this third installment of Diabetes Mystery Theater podcast.

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09/10/201609/15/2016

Suspect Boulevard featuring The Diabetic Pastry Chef Recipes

The Diabetic Pastry Chef, Stacey Harris‘s recipes are featured in this year’s diabetes mystery podcast, “Suspect Boulevard” scheduled for Tuesday, September 13, 2016, 6-7 PM, EST.

I decided to feature some ‘fabulous and healthy’ recipes in this year’s mystery podcast after reading several mystery paperbacks oozing in double fudge by authors such as JoAnne Fluke. She has sold millions of books featuring recipes for cakes, cookies and more. I don’t have anything against these books except that I think it’s high time a mystery paperback featured some delicious, healthy recipes.

This year’s diabetes mystery podcast, “Suspect Boulevard” features recipes by Stacey Harris, The Diabetic Pastry Chef to you show how to entertain like a ‘diva’ without jeapordizing your diabetes health so I contacted Stacey Harris, the Diabetic Chef for some help.

Stacey published “The Diabetic Pastry Chef” (Pelican, $24.95), a collection of more than 200 recipes that fit within the nutritional limits of the diabetic diet. Her mission is to show the more than 20 million people with diabetes in the U.S. that you can have your cake and eat it, too, without sacrificing flavor.

In one scene of ‘Suspect Boulevard’ there’s a glamorous book launch party for Best-Selling Author Marjorie Melbourne Blaze’s newest novel, “Fires of Desire.” Of course, there’s more to Marjorie’s book than meets the eye. Why not sit back and listen to our podcast while you’re enjoying Stacey Harris ‘s delicious “Fires of Desire” Mini Victoria Cakes recipe.

‘Fires Of Desire’ Mini Victoria Cakes

3/4 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup Whey Low D Granular

3 eggs, room temperature

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 1/4 cup King Arthur Cake Flour Blend

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

sugar- free or no sugar added strawberry or raspberry jam

whipped cream

Whey Low Powder or confectioner’s sugar for dusting

Fresh raspberries for garnish

With mixer beat together the butter and Whey Low for 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Add vanilla and beat for an additional 2 or 3 minutes. Sift the dry ingredients into the mixing bowl. Gently fold with spoon just until combined and smooth. Spoon mixture int 12 greased muffin tins. Bake until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cool. Remove from pan. Split each cake in half. Spread with jam, top with a little whipped cream. Sandwich the cakes and sift powdered Whey Low or confectioner’s sugar on top. Top each with a raspberry or small strawberry.

Throughout the podcast we will spotlight the wonderful music by the National Philaharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Charles Gerhardt courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic hopes to inspire you to become a Diabetes Detective will this third installment of Diabetes Mystery Theater podcast.

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09/09/201609/15/2016

Suspect Boulevard Focuses on Diabetes Alert Dogs

Expert Dog Trainer and Author, Debby Kay provided invaluable insight into Diabetes Alert Dogs for this year’s diabetes mystery podcast, “Suspect Boulevard” scheduled for Tuesday, September 13, 2016, 6-7 PM, EST.

Diabetes Alert Dogs are trained to alert their owners in advance of low (hypoglycemia) or high (hyperglycemia) blood sugar events before they become dangerous. That way their handlers can take steps to return their blood sugar to normal such as using glucose sweets or taking insulin. A Diabetes Alert Dog is specifically trained to react to the chemical change produced by blood sugar highs and lows.

Debby Kay is the author of the ‘Super Sniffer Handbook’. This is the first book that offers a proven program to prepare your dog for the new national certification program.

Debby Kay has been a leading professional in the field of scent detection work since 1969. She is a pioneer in many new applications of the incredible power of the dog’s nose which led to the development of her internationally recognized Super Sniffer Program. Debby believes passionately in the dog’s ability to enrich the lives of people they live with and has worked with individuals, businesses, governments and institutions to educate and promote the positive power of the Super Sniffer® program.

Her work with the government has given her insights into the most effective ways animals and people learn, leading to her distinctive and highly praised presentations

Throughout the podcast we will spotlight the wonderful music by the National Philaharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Charles Gerhardt courtesy of SONY MUSIC.

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic hopes to inspire you to become a Diabetes Detective will this third installment of Diabetes Mystery Theater podcast.

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09/09/201609/10/2016

Anger Not Danger

Anger Not Danger

anger forms circles and drowns us in fears|and makes something worse than it really appears.

Read Anger Not Danger in its entirety here.